Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred choral works with "Bach, J.S.: Magnificat - A Bach Christmas." Released on November 11, 1997, under the prestigious Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album is a captivating collection of Bach's most revered compositions, spanning the genres of classical and classical piano.
The album opens with the stirring Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag," BWV 63, a work that showcases Bach's mastery of choral writing and his ability to convey profound spiritual messages through music. The cantata's six movements, including the powerful opening chorus and the reflective aria "Gott, Du hast es wohl gefüget," offer a glimpse into Bach's genius and his deep understanding of the human condition.
Following the cantata, the album presents the complete Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a, a monumental work that celebrates the Virgin Mary and her role in the Christian faith. Comprising twelve movements, the Magnificat is a tour de force of choral writing, featuring a diverse range of musical styles and moods, from the jubilant opening chorus "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" to the tender aria "Quia respexit humilitatem."
The album also includes the Sanctus in D major, BWV 238, a short but powerful work that serves as a fitting conclusion to this remarkable collection. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes, "Bach, J.S.: Magnificat - A Bach Christmas" is a testament to Johann Sebastian Bach's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that transcends time and place. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to inspire and uplift, offering a profound and moving musical experience.
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Chorus: Christen, ätzet diesen TagJohann Sebastian Bach, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Recitativo: o sel'ger TagJohann Sebastian Bach, Christopher Robson, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Aria: Gott, Du hast es wohl gefügetJohann Sebastian Bach, Elizabeth Scholl, Michael George, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Recitativo: So kehret sich nun heut das bange LeidJohann Sebastian Bach, Paul Agnew, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Ruft und fleht den Himmel anJohann Sebastian Bach, Christopher Robson, Paul Agnew, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Recitativo: Verdoppelt euch demnach, ihr heissenJohann Sebastian Bach, Michael George, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Chorus: Höchster, schau in Gnaden anJohann Sebastian Bach, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Sanctus in D major, BWV 238Johann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Magnificat anima mea DominumJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Et Exultavit spiritus meusJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Elizabeth Scholl
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Vom Himmel hochJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Quia respexit humilitatemJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Catherine Bott
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Omnes genarationesJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Quia fecit mihi magnaJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Michael George
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Freut euch und jubiliertJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Et misericordiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Christopher Robson, Paul Agnew
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Fecit potentiamJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Gloria in excelsis DeoJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Deposuit potentesJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Paul Agnew
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Esurientes implevit bonisJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Christopher Robson
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Virga jesse floruitJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Michael George, Catherine Bott
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Suscepit IsraelJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Catherine Bott, Elizabeth Scholl, Christopher Robson
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Sicut locutus estJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Gloria PatriJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort